If your property is to survive a wildfire, it needs "defensible space." That means you've created a home that can survive without intervention, where vegetation is strategically limited and firefighters can safely work, if they are able to assist. The goal: Withstand the flame front. Limit the "little things" that can capture an ember. Here we share some info and images about creating that Survivable Space.

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CREATING DEFENSIBLE SPACEin Missoula County

When fire danger increases dramatically and smoke is in the air from wildfires near and far, folks want to know what to do to protect their homes from wildfire.

Enough small fires on your property without intervention, that home or plot of woods will burn. If you prepare ahead with defensible space - by creating a buffer between the flames and your property and reducing the chances embers will linger and destroy -- your home has a chance to survive.

A regularly watered lawnsurrounding your home cools the air and can retard the spread of flames from a nearby wildfire. If you can't keep a greenbelt, make sure vegetation is maintained at its lowest height. For maximum safety, do this work well before fire season.

Fire Officials know from decades of research and study that homes burn down because flames find "the little things" on your property and linger there to burn. Things like leaves under your wooden deck or in the gutters of your roof.